The year also saw prominent beauty executives, such as Laura Geller and Savannah Sachs, capturing the spotlight with their insights, further engaging an audience eager to learn from the industry’s brightest minds. Remembering those who helped shape the industry was also important as the passing of industry giant Thia Breen, the former Estee Lauder executive, proved to be a poignant moment in 2024. The news generated a surge of engagement on CEW’s LinkedIn, with tributes to Breen and her everlasting imprint pouring in from across the industry.

Beyond leadership news, 2024’s top-read stories also reflected an increasing focus on wellness. As longevity emerged as a core pillar of the beauty industry, longevity clinics became one of the fastest-growing business genres, indicating consumers’ growing interest in healthy aging and holistic health. Topics like work-life balance and Gen Alpha’s unique influence on the market further shaped the year’s discourse, with an emphasis on how younger generations are reshaping beauty culture and wellness priorities.

Hair loss innovations also garnered significant attention, reflecting the growing demand for advanced solutions in hair care. Retailers like Ulta Beauty were spotlighted for their innovative approaches, such as the enhancement of their loyalty program and the launch of the first-of-its-kind Joy Study, which measured happiness and satisfaction among their customers. Together, these developments illustrate a beauty industry that is evolving in response to consumer interests, technological advancements, and shifting cultural norms.